By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions took care of business last Friday in their District 8-2A Division II opener, defeating Meridian 84-7 at Yellow Jacket Stadium.“We wanted to make sure we started out district on a good note,” Lions head coach Denney Faith said.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany downtown will be filled with ghosts and goblins on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 30, as local merchants, along with others interested in setting up on the sidewalk, hand out Halloween candy.The trick-or-treat event is scheduled from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m.

By Sam WallerJohn Caldwell and Friends will perform after the awards are given at the Albany Chamber of Commerce’s Home of the Hereford Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 23 at WebbPark.

By Donnie A. LucasTicket holders for the Friends of Fort Griffin Gala held Saturday were treated to a prime rib dinner and the music of Larry, Steve, & Rudy: The Gatlins while helping raise funding for projects at the historic fort.

By Donnie A. LucasThe high school and junior high students will meet together this week for the Fifth Quarter Fellowship at the Feed Store following the varsity game Friday against Hico.The event is being hosted by Friendship Baptist Church, Bethel Assembly, and the United Methodist Church.

Some of the youngest participants in the pumpkin decorating competition sit with their entries after the presentation parade and listen to a short Bible lesson. Saturday’s Patch was sponsored by Bethel Assembly.

By Sam WallerThe Albany High School FFA has a number of fundraising projects under way, from holiday decorations, holiday meats, and treats.Albany FFA students have been building oilfield Christmas trees and crosses in addition to other projects.

By Donnie A. LucasOfficers for the Albany Chapter of the National Honor Society were elected last week and upcoming projects were discussed for the 2021-2022 school year.Sarah Cotter was selected as president, with Luke Ivy named as vice president.

By Donnie A. LucasAlbany’s Ragin’ Red Band will compete on Monday at the UIL area contest at Wylie High School in Abilene.The band will step off at 2:15 p.m. at Wylie’s Bulldog Stadium, serving as the first band in the line-up.

By Sam WallerAlbany FFA member Kenzie Neve placed eighth in her weight class recently at the State Fair of Texas with a Shorthorn steer.